06.01.04
The House Energy and Commerce Committee in late April voted unanimously to ban the sale of steroid precursors because it felt “new, equally harmful substances” were not covered by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990. The move came as the committee found evidence of widespread use of precursors among college, high school and even middle school students. In addition, the media have been relentless with their reporting on athletes who have faced suspension due to testing positive for the presence of “designer” steroids. This is of concern especially as the summer Olympic games draw near and Major League Baseball continues to fend off criticism due to its players’ use of the “designer” steroids as well. The bill, according to Representative Joe Barton (R-TX), will add 43 precursors to the list of banned steroids, and specifically prohibit trafficking near an athletic facility. Representative Barton has high hopes for quick passage of the bill, in addition to support from the Senate in getting the bill on the President’s desk this year for his signature. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 will now move to the House floor for final passage.